Chicken with Cilantro Rice Recipe
Introduction:
If you’re looking for a savory, flavorful, and comforting one-pot dish, this Chicken with Cilantro Rice recipe is a perfect choice. With a tender combination of chicken thighs, aromatic spices, and cilantro rice, this meal is not only delightful but also quick and easy to prepare. Ideal for a family dinner or special occasion, it’s sure to please everyone at the table. Let’s dive into the recipe with step-by-step instructions, nutritional details, and preparation tips that will elevate your culinary experience.
Ingredients
For the Rice:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh gingerroot | 1 inch piece |
| Garlic (crushed) | 6 cloves |
| Long grain rice | 1/4 cup |
| Ground cumin | 1/2 tsp |
| Boneless skinless chicken thighs | 1 lb (about 4 thighs) |
| Chicken broth | 2 cups |
| Fresh cilantro leaves | 1 1/4 cups |
| Scallion tops (sliced) | 3 stalks |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp |
For the Sauce:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Fresh cilantro (stems removed) | 2 tbsp |
| Chicken broth | 1 cup |
| Scallions (sliced) | 2 stalks |
| Fresh gingerroot | 1-inch piece |
| Garlic (clove) | 1 whole clove |
| Kosher salt | 1/2 tsp |
For the Topping:
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Olive oil | 1 tsp |
| Grape tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup |
| Cherry tomatoes (halved) | 1 cup |
| Scallion tops (chopped) | 2 stalks |
| Fresh cilantro sprigs (optional) | For garnish |
Nutritional Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 420.2 kcal |
| Fat Content | 8.3 g |
| Saturated Fat | 1.7 g |
| Cholesterol | 78.7 mg |
| Sodium | 685.3 mg |
| Carbohydrates | 57.4 g |
| Fiber | 2.3 g |
| Sugars | 1.8 g |
| Protein | 27.1 g |
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Rice
- Preheat the oven: Begin by preheating your oven to 350°F (175°C) to prepare for the baking step.
- Sauté the aromatics: In an ovenproof Dutch oven, heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil over medium heat. Add sliced mushrooms, scallions, ginger, and crushed garlic. Sauté for about 5 minutes, stirring frequently, until the vegetables begin to soften and become aromatic.
- Add rice and seasonings: Stir in the long grain rice, ground cumin, and boneless skinless chicken thighs (cut into bite-sized pieces). Let everything cook for an additional minute to toast the rice and spices slightly.
- Add broth and bake: Pour in the chicken broth and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, cover the Dutch oven with a tight-fitting lid and place it in the oven to bake for 25 minutes.
- Let it stand: Once the cooking time is up, remove the Dutch oven from the oven. Let the rice mixture stand, covered, for another 10 minutes to allow the rice to absorb any remaining liquid and to further fluff up.
Step 2: Prepare the Sauce
- Blend the sauce ingredients: While the rice is resting, place fresh cilantro leaves, 1 cup of chicken broth, chopped scallions, ginger, garlic, and kosher salt into a blender or food processor. Blend everything together until smooth.
- Add the sauce to the rice: After the rice has rested, stir the cilantro sauce into the rice mixture, making sure to remove the piece of ginger root that was used for flavoring.
Step 3: Prepare the Topping
- Sauté the tomatoes: In a medium skillet, heat 1 teaspoon of olive oil over medium-low heat. Add the halved grape and cherry tomatoes and cook for about 2 minutes, just enough to soften the tomatoes slightly and release their juices.
- Add the scallion tops: Stir in the chopped scallion tops and cook for another 1 minute, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Top the rice: Carefully spoon the tomato topping over the cilantro rice mixture, ensuring an even spread of vegetables on top.
Step 4: Serve and Garnish
- Serve the dish: Transfer the cilantro rice and chicken mixture into a large serving bowl. Spoon the tomato topping over the rice.
- Garnish (optional): If desired, garnish with fresh cilantro sprigs for an extra touch of color and flavor.
Cooking Tips
- Chicken Substitute: If you prefer, you can swap the chicken thighs for chicken breasts, though chicken thighs offer a juicier and more tender texture.
- Rice Variations: Feel free to experiment with different types of rice such as jasmine or basmati for a different flavor profile.
- Spices: If you enjoy a bit of heat, you can add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a chopped chili pepper when sautéing the aromatics.
- Make it Vegetarian: For a vegetarian version, substitute the chicken with tofu or extra vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, or mushrooms.
Conclusion
This Chicken with Cilantro Rice is a delightful and flavorful meal that combines savory chicken, aromatic spices, and fresh cilantro rice in one delicious dish. Whether you’re making it for a weeknight family dinner or preparing it for guests, it’s sure to become a crowd favorite. With easy-to-follow instructions, this recipe offers a perfect balance of flavors and textures that will keep you coming back for more.
Enjoy preparing this dish and share it with your loved ones! For more recipes like this, visit lovewithrecipes.com.
